The purpose of the Merritt College Radiologic Science program is to prepare qualified practitioners in the art and science of medical imaging. Radiologic Technologists manipulate sophisticated technical equipment and computers to obtain detailed images of the human body. These images assist physicians in the diagnosis of injury and disease in the clinical environment. Radiologic Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and physicians’ offices. A successful and competent Radiologic Technologist is one who works well as a team member, thinks critically, solves problems creatively, possesses strong technical skills, and cares for patients with sensitivity and compassion. The technologist must be flexible and able to work with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds with various needs, abilities, injuries, and disease processes. The program’s student learning outcomes focus on developing these important characteristics in program graduates.

The Associate of Science in Radiologic Science degree will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Prerequisite requirements, the Degree Major requirements, and the local AA/AS General Education requirements. See the Associate Degrees and Certificates section of this catalog for more information on the local AA/AS overall requirements and the local AA/AS General Education requirements. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Prerequisite requirements and the Certificate requirements. The certificate-only option is available only to those who have already earned an Associate degree or higher.

The curriculum includes a clinical practicum at various East Bay hospitals. This is a continuous program of 24 months’ duration. Students applying to the program must be prepared to make a full-time commitment (approximately 36 hours per week during daytime hours) for two full years, including summers. Upon successful completion of the required courses in Radiologic Science and the Merritt College Associate degree requirements (or equivalent), the student is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination required for certification and practice in the state of California. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the California certificate, graduates will qualify for employment as Radiologic Technologists performing a wide variety of patient radiographic procedures in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices and imaging centers.

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 (www.jrcert.org), and the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, MS 7610, PO Box 997414, Sacramento, CA 95899-7414 (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/RadiologicHealthBranch.aspx).

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete the degree or certificate will be able to:

  • Produce diagnostic-quality medical images in a competent, safe, and compassionate manner for all basic radiography examinations in a hospital work environment.
  • Communicate effectively with patients and family members by taking appropriate histories, giving clear instructions, and providing information as needed.
  • Communicate in a professional manner with hospital staff, instructors, and peers.
  • Exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills by adapting radiologic procedures examinations to individual patient needs and conditions.
  • Establish and maintain satisfactory professional relationships with other members of the healthcare team.
  • Function as an effective healthcare team member by providing services in a manner that complements those performed by other team members.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Prerequisite Requirements:

Students must have completed the four prerequisite courses, with a grade of “C” or better on each course, before applying to the program. Additionally, the average GPA for the four prerequisites courses must be at least 2.5. All prerequisite courses must be current within seven (7) years.

The prerequisite courses include:

A. Radsc 1A, Survey of Radiologic Science: This course may not be waived for any reason. It must be taken at Merritt College to qualify.

B. Math 203, Intermediate Algebra, or higher. Equivalent course may be taken at other colleges.

C. Anatomy and Physiology: This must be a two-semester course sequence with a minimum of 8 units total and include a lab. Equivalent courses may be taken at other colleges. At Merritt College there are two options that qualify:

….. Biol 20A and Biol 20B (Human Anatomy and Phy-siology) (5 units each, 10 units total), OR

….. Biol 2 (Human Anatomy) and Biol 4 (Human Phy-siology) (5 units each, 10 units total).

Highly Recommended Preparation:

Computer Proficiency Expectations: Students entering the program are expected to demonstrate proficiency using Microsoft Word, email, PowerPoint presentation software, and navigating the Internet. Students who are not proficient should see Item No. 1 below in Additional Recommended Preparation.

Additional Recommended Preparation:

The following specific coursework and experiences are recommended as preparation for the program. While not required for enrollment, completing these courses prior to entering may increase the likelihood of successful program completion.

Coursework:

1. Introduction to Computer Information Systems (CIS 1 at Merritt College) or an equivalent course(s). The course or a combination of courses should result in proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint presentation software, navigating the Internet, and e-mail.

2. Higher Mathematics (such as College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus).

3. Physics such as Introduction to Physics, General Physics, or Physics of Radiation and/or Electro-magnetism.

4. Medical Terminology.

5. Professional or Business Communications.

Recommended coursework may satisfy some of the General Education requirements. Students should meet with a Merritt College counselor to plan accordingly.

Experiences:

1. Work experience as an employee or volunteer in a healthcare environment, preferably involving direct patient care.

2. Customer service experience as an employee or volunteer involving face-to-face contact and communication with the public.

Student Selection Process:

Applications will be accepted annually starting in spring 2026.  The program will accept approximately 24 students per year. This process will be done through a lottery. The number of students accepted depends on the number of clinical placements available at affiliate sites.

There will no longer be a wait list for the program.  If a student is not accepted when they first apply, they will need to complete an application the following year. Transcripts will not need to be evaluated again.

Detailed information regarding the status of the student selection process for a particular application period may be obtained from the Radiologic Science program and will be presented in the prerequisite course, Radsc 1A, Survey of Radiologic Science. 

Degree Major/Certificate of Achievement Requirements:

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 1B Introduction to Medical Imaging 2
RADSC 1C Introduction to Medical Imaging Clinic 2.5
RADSC 2A Radiographic Physics I 2
RADSC 2B Radiographic Physics II 4
RADSC 2C Digital Applications in Medical Imaging 4
RADSC 3A Positioning I 4
RADSC 3B Positioning II 4
RADSC 4A Radiation Protection 2
RADSC 4B Radiobiology 2
RADSC 5A Patient Care I 3
RADSC 5B Patient Care II 3
RADSC 6 Quality Management/Fluoroscopy 2.5
RADSC 7 Advanced Imaging Procedures 3
RADSC 8 Sectional Anatomy and Radiographic Pathology 4
RADSC 9A Clinical Experience I 4
RADSC 9B Clinical Experience II 4
RADSC 9C Clinical Experience III 6
RADSC 9D Clinical Experience IV 6
RADSC 9E Clinical Experience V 6
RADSC 10A Seminar 1.5
RADSC 10B Seminar 1.5
Total Required Units for Degree Major
or Certificate:
 71

Recommended Sequence of Courses for Six Semesters:

FIRST YEAR

FIRST SEMESTER (FALL)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 1B Introduction to Medical Imaging 2
RADSC 1C Introduction to Medical Imaging Clinic 2.5
RADSC 2A Radiographic Physics I 2
RADSC 3A Positioning I 4
RADSC 5A Patient Care I 3
Semester Total: 13.5

SECOND SEMESTER (SPRING)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 2B Radiographic Physics II 4
RADSC 3B Positioning II 4
RADSC 9A Clinical Experience I (16 hours per week) 4
Semester Total: 12

THIRD SEMESTER (SUMMER)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 4A Radiation Protection 2
RADSC 4B Radiobiology 2
RADSC 10A Seminar 1.5
RADSC 9B Clinical Experience II (24 hours per week) 4
Semester Total: 9.5

SECOND YEAR

FOURTH SEMESTER (FALL)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 2C Digital Applications in Medical Imaging 4
RADSC 5B Patient Care II 3
RADSC 9C Clinical Experience III (24 hours per week) 6
Semester Total: 13

FIFTH SEMESTER (SPRING)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 6 Quality Management/Fluoroscopy 2.5
RADSC 7 Advanced Imaging Procedures 3
RADSC 8 Sectional Anatomy and RadiographicPathology 4
RADSC 9D     Clinical Experience IV (24 hours per week) 6
Semester Total: 15.5

SIXTH SEMESTER (SUMMER)

Dept/No. Title Units
RADSC 10B Seminar 1.5
RADSC 9E Clinical Experience V (36 hours per week) 6
Semester Total: 7.5